How Old Do You Have To Be To Buy CBD Legally?

There are plenty of questions about CBD and its derivatives. Starting with the most basic question of them all, what exactly is CBD? And continuing on to other more technically oriented questions like, does it have side effects? Are there different types of CBD? How does CBD interact with the body, and what kinds of CBD products are available? 

But in this article, we’ll steer clear of those and concentrate on answering the most critical of questions: How old do you have to be to buy CBD legally?

Laws and regulations around CBD in the United States don’t specifically mention a minimum legal age because CBD products don’t contain THC, a substance that contrary to CBD, has psychoactive effects on the body. Hence, to consume and purchase THC you do need to be of legal age according to your state laws. Regardless, many reputable brands and e-commerce retailers of CBD demand a minimum age from the buyer that allows them to guarantee the consumer’s own safety. 

That said, there is no federal guideline for a legal age restriction when using or buying CBD. Rather, states and brands still set their own age restrictions.

Given the above scenario, here are the situations you’re most likely to encounter: 

1. Physical Dispensaries and Stores: 

If you go to any dispensary where THC is also sold, you will be required to show an ID that guarantees you are of legal age. Regardless of what you’re purchasing, much like a bar, in most cases, children are not allowed into dispensaries. 

So, what happens with stores that also sell CBD but are not dispensaries? It will ultimately depend on store policies, but most likely you won’t be required to show any ID because as stated previously; CBD is a legal substance country-wide according to the 2018 Farm Bill. 

2. Online or e-commerce stores: 

Rules are not so lax either when purchasing CBD online, in fact, the same state rules and company rules apply. If buying from a dispensary with online commerce they will most likely ask you to prove you comply with legal age standards. However, it’s easier to get around the rules if you don’t comply with the age qualifications. 

Emalee Hyde, a public-relations expert, told in an interview with Westworld when asked on the subject, “Online...is open season… Any six-year-old with access to mom and dad’s account could order hemp-derived CBD”.

In almost all the e-commerce sites selling CBD products, you will find a warning highlighting the need to ask for medical or legal advice if you're under 21 and purchasing products. However, this is just a warning for most sites. You’re also likely to run into a pop-up asking you to confirm you are of legal age, hereby taking responsibility for any health issues you might face when consuming any product bought within the website.

Despite the lack of an age limit for CBD purchase and consumption, in states like South Dakota, Idaho, and Iowa, unlicensed CBD products are illegal. We suggest verifying law restrictions for your state before trying to purchase any cannabis-related products. For instance, in Alaska, you can’t buy unlicensed CBD products if they are blended with beverages or fruits. So it’s pretty clear that CBD laws are not in black & white, at least not for the moment.